Uwchlan man charged with arson after third fire call

UWCHLAN — A 39-year-old man was arrested Sunday after he allegedly set three separate fires over a seven-hour period outside of his apartment near Liongate Drive and Whitehall Court, police said.

Township police said patrol officers and firefighters were called at 9:47 p.m. Saturday for a report of a fire burning in a common area in front of homes on Whitehall Court. A lit propane torch was found at the base of a tree, and investigators said it appeared as if someone had attempted to light the tree on fire.

Later, about 11:37 p.m., police and firefighters were called to the area again for a second fire. According to police someone had intentionally set a small fire using debris, household items and camping-sized propane cylinders. Police were unable to locate a suspect at that time.

Then, at 3:29 a.m. Sunday, police and firefighters were called to the area again when another fire was set with small household items and debris, according to police. Two canine units from the Chester County Sheriff’s Office were called to assist the investigation, police said. One of the dogs tracked a human scent to the home of Donald Johnson in the 900 block of Whitehall Court and another alerted officers to the presence of accelerants inside, police said.

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After the third fire was extinguished, officers remained in the area and attempted to contact Johnson, police said. According to police, the suspect refused to speak with officers but on two occasions left his home to yell profanities at police before running back into his home.

The second time Johnson left his home, officers gave chase and took him into custody. He was arrested and arraigned on charges of arson and related offenses. Johnson was taken to Chester County Prison after failing to post $500,000 bail, police said.